Why should I choose New Zealand as my study-abroad destination?

There are various reasons for choosing New Zealand as my study abroad destination. They are:

A strong network of Indian communities

Technology programmes at their best in the world

No Racism

A lot of job opportunities available after graduation

Fees are lesser compared to UK or US

It has a total of 8 public universities, all of which are ranked in the top 3% globally.

Degrees offered at Universities in New Zealand are accepted worldwide and are known for their quality of Education.

What are the basic English language requirements to study in New Zealand for international students?

Applicants to undergraduate courses should have a minimum IELTS score of 6 or 80 on the internet-based TOEFL

Applicants for postgraduate courses should have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or 90 on the internet-based TOEFL

For specific programmes offered by certain universities, the English language requirements may vary.

How much will I need to spend on my fees and living costs while studying in New Zealand?

The costs vary based on the course, university and the city you live in. The tuition fees for your course may vary between NZ$ 17000 to NZ$ 45000 depending on your course, duration and the university of study. while the food and living costs may vary between NZ$ 20000 to NZ$ 25000.

Should I need to take medical insurance while in New Zealand?

Yes. You will need to have medical insurance. The formality for the same would be completed during your first week at the university, as part of The Student Orientation Programme. According to the New Zealand government's Code of practice for the Pastoral care of international students, all international students must hold health and travel insurance during their period of study, irrespective of the duration of the study.

Should I Open a bank account while in New Zealand?

Yes. You will have to open a local bank account while in New Zealand. The formality for the same would be completed during your first week at the university, as part of the Student Orientation Programme.

What are the different accommodation options available for international students in New Zealand?

University Accommodation – Most of the universities provided guaranteed accommodation facilities for international students who had applied on time.

Shared apartment/house – Students also have the option to share an apartment or house with their fellow students outside the university campus

Home-stay – It is also a popular accommodation option, where the students can stay with a local family.

Are there scholarships available for international students in New Zealand?

Most universities offer very limited scholarships for international students, especially at the postgraduate level. It is advised to check with the individual university before applying. However, funding opportunities for research projects and doctoral degrees, especially in the areas of Medicine, Pharma and product design are available.

Can I stay in New Zealand after I complete my studies?

Yes. Once you complete your studies in New Zealand, you can apply for a 12-month Job-search visa. This helps you to search for a job in New Zealand. Once you complete five to six years of service in New Zealand, you can apply for permanent residency.

Which are the fields in which there are job opportunities in New Zealand?

Though, there are good job opportunities across all the fields in New Zealand, yet, the major chunk of the country’s economy is based on tourism and agriculture. In addition, the construction sector is also at its boom. Hence, graduates from Engineering, travel and tourism, medicine and caregivers are in great demand in New Zealand.

Am I allowed to work as an international student in New Zealand?

Yes. Like other countries, as an international student, you are allowed to work 20 hours per week during your studies, while, you are allowed to work full time during your holidays. The doctoral and research master’s students are allowed to work full-time.

Which is the most prestigious university in New Zealand and what is its acceptance rate for international students?

The University of Auckland is the most prestigious in New Zealand with a ranking of 87 based on the QS World University rankings 2023. Its acceptance rate for international students is 45%. 4 out of 10 international students who applied get admission to the University of Auckland.

Can I study more than one course in New Zealand?

Yes, you can study more than one course in New Zealand with a pathway student visa. With this visa, you can study up to three consecutive programmes with one or more accredited education providers for five years.

What is the education system/ qualifications in New Zealand?

The New Zealand Qualification Framework (NZQF) encompasses ten levels ranging from certification, and diplomas to doctoral programmes.

What are the different intakes in universities in New Zealand?

There are typically two major intakes – February and July. For the February intake, the students need to start their application process by August. It takes approximately six weeks for the university to process the applications.

What are the different documents that are required for applying to the Universities in New Zealand?

Please find here below the checklist of documents that are required to apply for the programme at the Universities in New Zealand.

Resume

Statement of Purpose

Transcripts

Certificates

Passport

Birth certificate

Certificate of extracurricular activities

Two reference letters – academic/professional

How is the weather in New Zealand?

New Zealand lies in the southern hemisphere. Overall, the country enjoys a moderate maritime climate and temperature, moderately high rainfall and many hours of sunshine throughout the country.

Can the spouse and dependent stay with the student in New Zealand?

Yes. In most cases, the spouse or dependents would be provided with a visa for the same duration as that of their partner or children. Spouses of students on work visas can work full-time in New Zealand, while the dependents are not allowed to work.

Is the study gap accepted by the Universities in New Zealand?

Yes. Study gap is accepted by the Universities in New Zealand, provided you provide a valid reason, like work experience or health issues with documented proof.

Do Universities in New Zealand accept the 10+2+3 education system?

Yes. Universities in New Zealand accept the 10+2+3 education pattern for higher education.

How much money should I show as proof of funds?

The tuition fees for your study and your living expenses for a year put together should be shown as proof of funds to study in New Zealand. However, if the study duration is more than a year, the student needs to provide a payment plan, outlining the avenues for their funding in future years along with the evidence in support of it.

Can I study in New Zealand without IELTS?

Yes. You can study in New Zealand without IELTS, provided you can prove that you have completed your studies with the medium of instruction in English.

Do I need to have a study visa for studying a certificate /diploma course of fewer than 6 months duration?

No. For courses up to 6 months of duration, you may get a Working Holiday visa and you can obtain a Visitor’s visa for studies up to 3 months.

What is the higher education system in New Zealand?

A bachelor’s degree in New Zealand is for three to four years, depending on the course, after which the student is free to move on to a postgraduate course and earn a graduate diploma, Master’s or doctorate. A Master’s degree takes 1 to 2 years to complete which is associated with some research work.

Would my international qualifications be considered in my application for an undergraduate programme in New Zealand?

Yes. However, in certain cases, the universities may ask you to have your qualifications assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) which would cost you NZ$ 450. This assessment may take up to 8 weeks to complete.